Reflector assembly



Get. 18, 1938. M. A. ADDOR 2,133,839

REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY Filed May 14, 1957 Inventor Attorney CJI Patented Oct. 18, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFIcis:

1 Claim.

The present invention relates to improvements in reflector assemblies and particularly to areflector adapted for use in connection with automobiles and the like.

An object of the invention is the provision of a reflector assembly designed so as to enable a person to view the underpart of an automobile from an upstanding position.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a reflector assembly adapted for detachable connection with an automobile so that the underpart may be surveyed without the necessity of bending or stooping.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a reflector assembly of the aforesaid character which is particularly adaptable for positioning a support jack under an automobile from an upstanding position.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a reflector of the above character which is relatively simple in construction and which is eflicient in use.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description progresses.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification and in which like reference characters are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an automobile, showing the reflector assembly operatively connected therewith,

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the reflector assembly,

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the same,

Figure 4 is an enlarged section taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 3,

Figure 5 is an enlarged section taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 3,

Figure 6 is an enlarged transverse section taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 3,

Figure '7 is a side elevational view of the reflector plate showing a light operatively attached thereto, and

Figure 8 is an end view of the reflector plate showing the light supporting elements disposed in light engaging positions.

Referring to the drawing, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention, C generally designates a support clamp embodying a rigid approximately U-shaped body Hi. In a relatively short leg ll of the clamp body is mounted a clamping screw I2 engaging a threaded bore in this leg and disposed to cooperate with the opposite, comparatively long, leg 13 to effect clamping action. At

the outer end, the longer leg l3 of the clamp body is bifurcated to provide a slot l4. 7

A screw l5 extends transversely through the slotted end of the clamp body leg l3, this screw extending through a smooth bore at one side of the slot and engaging an internally threaded bore at the other side. The head of the screw [5 is preferably shaped to form a wing-head l6.

Into the slot I 4 of the clamp body is inserted the flat end portion l8 of a coupling element IS, the opposite outer end portion thereof being shaped to provide a cylindrical shank 20. On the shank is rigidly fitted the inner end of an arm 22, in the present example embodying a straight metallic tube.

On the tubular arm 22 is fitted a slide clamp 24 which may embody a sleeve embracing the arm and split clamp sections formed to receive therethrough a screw 25 engaging the sections so that the clamp may be tightly secured on the arm or loosened so as to permit longitudinal sliding movement of the clamp on the arm.

To the slide clamp 24 is connected a reflector 21, in the present instance embodying an elongated rectangular shaped metallic plate having the top face formed to provide a reflecting surface, that is, either a highly polished metallic surface or a mirror reflector. At one side of the plate 21 is an angularly bent lug 28 which is attached to the side of the clamp 24 by a screw 29. At each end of the reflector plate 21 is formed a rolled eye 30 adapted to form a hinge connection for a light supporting bracket. To the front eye 30 of the plate is connected an approximately U-shaped bracket 3| having the intermediate transverse portion pivotally connected with the eye .30. This bracket may be formed of wire or other suitable material and is preferably shaped so that the side legs are bowed outwardly for a purpose which will be described hereinafter. To the rear eye 30 of the plate is connected a complementary bracket 32, similar in construction to, but of substantially greater length than the bracket 3|.

This reflector assembly is especially adaptable for use when employing a jack to elevate one of the wheels when changing a. tire of an automobile. As shown to advantage at Figure 1, the clamp C of the reflector assembly is connected to the vehicle, in the example illustrated to the rear bumper, and the arm 22 is adjusted at a proper inclination to dispose the reflector so that the operator may, from a standing position, view that part of the understructure to be engaged by the jack. The jack is slid in to an approximate working position and is thereafter accurately adjusted to engage the vehicle axle, or other part of the vehicle it is to engage, by determining its position through the reflector. As shown, this may be conveniently effected from an upstanding position and obviates the necessity of assuming a downwardly bent or reclining position. Thus, the device obviates the necessity of assuming uncomfortable positions and soiling the clothes.

When employing the reflector assembly at night, a light, such as the electric flash-light shown at Figure '7, is attached to the underside of the plate 21 through the medium of the brackets 3|. The shorter bracket is disposed to resiliently grip the front portion of the light, while the longer bracket engages the rear portion so that the light is held substantially horizontal with reference to the angularly inclined plate in order to direct the light rays properly under the car. Due to the pivoted connection of the brackets 3| the position of the flashlight can be adjusted somewhat in order to find the best illuminating position. b

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herein shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes as to the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claim.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

In a reflector assembly for rendering readily visible the underpart of automobiles having bumpers, a clamp adapted for detachable bumper connection, an arm pivotally connected to the clamp, an attaching clamp slidable longitudinally and circumferentially on the arm, a flat reflecting surfaced plate secured to the attaching clamp laterally of the arm, eyes formed on the edges of the plate at right angles to the arm, and a long and a short clip pivoted in said eyes for the purpose of holding a flashlight in substantially horizontal position with respect to the inclined plate which is adapted to reflect upwardly the image of parts illuminated by the flashlight under said automobile.

' MARCEL A. ADDOR. 

